Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-12-26

the psalms, and the prophecies Of IL ~
testament; the testimony Of the svpnssisee
and Of the writer's of the episties; and surese
of all. the explicit declarations Of Jesas
Christ himself. A number Of these were
presented, showing that he taught plainly
that he existed before he was born into tAis
world. This is one of the fundamental doc
trines Of the gospel. To receive is 10 70 be-
come the object of Gods especial love, -
the context declares; is to strengthen our
faith in Christ at other points. Coming -
this conviction we shall be enabled 70 csls-
hrate Christmas with all its fullness and
depth of meaning. We can gain this con-
vicsion by simply believing the words Of
Christ.
Ar rHE MKrHopIsr.
A brief concert was held at the Methodist
church consisting of the singing Of Christ
mas hymns by the choir and congregation
and an anthem by the choir, and . responsive
reading with answers teaching the purposes
of the day we commemorate. The pastor
preached from LIST Tim. l:l5. Subject,
The faithful saying. This festival stands
without peer or rival among the holidays,
and while others may loose their hold upon
the thought and affections of the people,
Christ's advent has an ever incrcasing fasci-
nation, and imagination is busy with sur
rounding the simple scene with .'bright-har-
messed angels" and dazzling splendors. The
angels if not harnessed sung their gloria in ex-
celsis and men were never more eager 70 and
a solution of Christs mission that will ans
wer the demands of the case, but every theory
of the power of this event fails that does not
include the fact of Christs living presence
among us, and take note of the fact that "he
that was dead is alive forevermore."
A faithful saying is one that can be re-
lied upon, and to this utterance is given the
apostolic sanction, for in 1t is found Christ's
own thought relating to the purpose Of
his coming. 1t is worthy of acceptation be-
cause it gives the key to Christ's character
and mission, and brings before our thought
the preexistencc of one who cad vaster and
deeper plans in his coming than Philip or
Alexander at the height Of their fame.
In this event we also read the lessons Of
Gods benevolence in clearer light than any
where reveals the divine character.
UNwERsALIsr CHURCH.
Text-"The Son of Man came not to be
minstered unto, but to minister, and to give
his life a ransom for many Matt. 70 ;2s.
Every scene and incident in the life of the
Saviour is made to live again in the imasina-
ton. at this Christmas season, being trans-
figured with radiant glory. Christ came TO
minister, to serve men, to bless and save the
world. He did not refuse to join issue with
sin, the arch enemy Of men, though He knew
that His life would be crushed out of Him by
this awful juggernaut of sin. If VIC could
have stood there. by the manger, with the
mother, and the shepherds and. the angel,
there would have been nothing outwardly 10
distinguish Him from other babes. But out
of that manger came the life which is above
all that imagination can conceive--the very
image of God. From those baby lips came
such teachings as bear the stamp of heaven
and from tnat divine being has issued pow
er that has transformed the world. And
Christ, by the attractive power of His cross,
which represents the fullness of sclf-sacri-
fcing love, shall conquer the whole world to
Himself As Christ came to render service,
to sacrifice and to save, so does He inspire
His disciples to loving, consecrated service
for God and humanity.
The sermon was followed by baptism and
communion, and three were received into the
church